the new karakoram looks great, I was just looking at one at performance bicycles this week. I was about to pop on it but the guy at the shop told me to stay away from it. Not really sure of an exact reason but he said that everyone that has bought one from that store has been unhappy with it.

the new karakoram looks great, I was just looking at one at performance bicycles this week. I was about to pop on it but the guy at the shop told me to stay away from it. Not really sure of an exact reason but he said that everyone that has bought one from that store has been unhappy with it.

I've been looking seriously at this bike too... Would love to hear from someone who has one.

I went to see a Karakoram 1 at Performance bikes. They did not have one, but I saw the
2 and I kind of lost interest. No offense NinerNoob, it sounds like it will be a very nice bike for you for awhile. I hope it works well for you...enjoy!!!

Karakorum vs zaskar

i got the 1.0 last month
love it
changed out the cranks to a deore with external bb and changed out the bars and stem (didnt like the white)left every thing else
only dislike is the shitty sram5 shifters its next on the list
road riding is easy as pie and trails are smooth as silk
find some one who has one in stock and ride it

I bought the GT Karakoram 1.0 about three weeks ago. It is an awesome bike ! Not just an awesome bike "for the money" . It is an AWESOME bike. I also have a Niner RIP9 that I have about $5000 invested in. It is tricked out pretty well. The Karakoram has me questioning why I have so much invested in the Niner. It is so much fun. I have spent another $200-ish on some upgrades to lighten it up a bit and used some stuff from my parts bin.I converted to a 1x9 set-up,new bar,seatpost,stem and cassette.Dropped about 3lbs. so far. Converted to tubeless via the "ghetto" method. VERY fun bike, I am enjoying it so much the Niner is collecting dust and I am considering selling it .

I am 6' 3" and I bought the XL and it fits GREAT. More rides on this bike and I have cleaned climbs that I have never done on ANY bike including my over-priced Niner.I am selling the Niner and using the proceeds to pimp out the GT !!

I bought the 2.0 a month or so ago. This is my first bike since I was a kid, so I can't give you a really legit review. I beat the hell out of it; I hit the local trails usually 5 times a week. It wasn't made for taking drops, but I do it anyways and blew out the Dart fork on it (Performance Bike upgraded me to a Tora for free). I like it so far, it's been what I expected: an entry level 29er to get me back into biking. My buddy just bought the Specialized Hardrock Disc 29er, and I've ridden it and prefer the GT much more.

I just picked up a 2.0 and threw some parts out of my parts bin from other bikes when they got a upgrade. I have only been on one ride so i cant really review it. Anyone else get one? Performance has a killer deal on them if you are like me and want to try the 9er kool aid but not drop a big chunk of change to see if you like it.

skipping gears on 2.0

I'm riding the 2.0 daily to work, clocking up about 100km a week. I stick in the middle front gear all the time.

I've found that when I push major force on the 8-9 gears that there is quite significant chain skip. I've already had it back in the store and they said my rear derailleur hanger was bent and straightened it out. But reading up online, it seems that cable tension is one of the key culprits.

I'm trying to figure out if it's a shoddy part that needs changing, or if it's just a setup tweak i need to have made.

I bought the silver 2011 GT Karakoram 2.0 on Saturday. My first 29er, upgraded from a Trek 820 XL Frame, $320 mountain bike. I had that Trek for at least 4 years and beat on it as hard as you can imagine. I adore the Karakoram, compared to the Trek its like a new Mercedes as opposed to a Chrysler 300. Disc breaks blow the old V brakes away. The bike is surprisingly light. Shifting is seemmless and silent as is the crank when you are coasting. 100 fork travels well for the price of the the, and the lockout is solid; makes it feel like a different bike on flat pavement. I crunch trails daily, and it it quite fast, and if you have any forward or downhill momentum, the bke truly glides. Center of gravity is easy to find, and was thought about in design. I love it. Zero complaints so far. If I have isses ill let you know, I put a good 25 miles a day on it. And if you want pics, I have plenty. Also another small but nice feature, metal pedals. You'd be surprised how many bikes from $700 to $900 use plastic. Hope this helps!

Check out my uploaded pictures, I uploaded 4 pics yesterday after I made this account. I really cannot say enough good things about this bike, In the end, its about whats most comfortable when you YOU ride it, mind you. Do not let anyone try to tell you that you need to drop 2 grand or more for a quality bike. Im sure there are differences in a $2000-$4000 bike, but I gotta tell you....I have DOMINATED everyone I have had friendly 1/2 mile - 1 mile uphill sprints with, including, but not limited to, sponsored pro factory riders riding high-end expensive machines. This one dudes wife was waiting at the finish line, i dusted him by over 8 lengths...he couldnt believe it, crossed the finish line, got off the bike and threw it into the street. 100% true story. If you want specific part pics, private message me what youd like to see. Hope you find what your looking for!

The karakoram 1.0 is $820???? Are you positive? Is it a 2011 or a 2012? I know msrp on my 2011 2.0 is $879.99, but Performance Bikes (website) has deep cuts on the 2011 Karakoram line, youd do well to check them out. Can you assemble a bike??

I'm on a new 2012 Karakoram, really loving it so far. It's my first decent mtb and first 29, but I rode quite a few to arrive at my preference for it. For the money, just a great feeling and handling bike. My LBS made me a screaming deal on it, and I like the color better than the 2011's personally.

my lbs can make me a decent deal on a 2012 karakoram 1.0 i'm wondering if to get it or maybe get a 2011 1.0 only thing holding me back is a sweet 2011 canondale SL2 for $950, can anyone help me with the weight and how heavy the karakoram can be? I like it, just trying to make a final decission on one.

my lbs can make me a decent deal on a 2012 karakoram 1.0 i'm wondering if to get it or maybe get a 2011 1.0 only thing holding me back is a sweet 2011 canondale SL2 for $950, can anyone help me with the weight and how heavy the karakoram can be? I like it, just trying to make a final decission on one.

The GT is around 30lbs, IIRC. Not light, but it's not the piggiest 29 stock either.

It's a better equipped bike than the SL2, better brakes and drivetrain...arguably a better shock too. The SL2 might have better wheels, dunno about those but I'd choose the GT over it without a second thought especially if at the same price or cheaper.

I'm still new at this whole thread thing and mountain biking, so far I'm leaning towards the GT, I rode it feel good. I'm curious about motobecane, i've heard good things about them, only problem is I can't ride one, my budget is still $1k, would anyone be oppose to the motobecane over the 1.0 karakoram?

Motos are good bikes for the $$, depending on the model and the deal they're offering you might do better with that as a package. For me, the draw of the GT was having a local shop that's a GT dealer and will provide good after-sale support. If you're not opposed to wrenching yourself or have a shop that will treat you favorably, that's certainly a good option. Might also look at the BAMF Kimura and the Airborne Goblin...both in the same range as the GT but better appointed.

I appreciate all the help swingset, I will be going to my lbs tomorrow to check out a 2012 2.0 that they have they offered to me for $825, they also offered me a 2012 1.0 for $925, i'm still waiting to hear about the 2011 1.0 i like the color scheme :-D i think GT might be my new bike

New cockpit...Hell Bent bars and Ergon grips...and a cheap Bell computer I'm not afraid of losing on the trail.

I take delivery of mine on Thursday! I have only riden a 2.0, but since the frame is the same with upgraded components I had them order a 1.0. Before I decided I rode; Kona Splice, Kona Kahuna, Spec Rockhopper, Trek GF Marlin, and Cannondale Train SL2. The GT just fit me best. It was by far the most comfortable stock saddle of all the bikes I rode. I originally thought about a 29er HT because my budget didn't allow a quality 26" FS. Once I rode a 29er I was hooked! I can't wait to have my very own!! It will be quite the step up from my Walgoose 26" FS.